Mary Moriarty will not seek a second term as Hennepin County attorney

Mary Moriarty announced she will not seek a second term as Hennepin County attorney, opting to concentrate on her ongoing reform initiatives. In a recent interview, she stated that her focus on the work rather than campaigning would allow for a greater understanding of her office's contributions to public safety. Moriarty's tenure has been marked by policies targeting youth gang violence and data-driven prosecutorial decisions. She expressed concern that media coverage has often overshadowed her office's successes, focusing instead on controversies surrounding her charging decisions. Moriarty believes her decision to step aside will enhance the effectiveness of conveying her office's efforts to improve community safety.

Having won her initial election by 16 points, she feels confident that progressive values will resonate with voters in the next election. She emphasized that institutional changes she implemented will have a lasting impact regardless of future leadership. Moriarty's commitment to reform reflects a broader desire for progressive leadership in criminal justice.